ice sculpture

While much of the U.S. prepares for potentially record-breaking cold temperatures this week, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival has visitors flocking to northeast China to, uh, chill out. The event kicked off Sunday with an ice swimming competition, but the festival really heats up (we know, we know) at night when guests stroll past giant ice sculptures illuminated in a winter village.

Kate and Will think her new official portrait is beautiful but critics disagree, the Circus of Horrors rehearses in London, the Harbin International Ice and Snow World festival draws a crowd in China, the Hungarian ‘Golden Power’ acrobats rehearse for the Grand Circus of Budapest and more in today’s daily brief.